The efficacy of electrical stunning of New Zealand rock lobster () and freshwater crayfish () using the Crustastun™.

Large numbers of decapod crustacea are farmed and harvested globally for human consumption. Growing evidence for the capacity of these animals to feel pain, and therefore to suffer, has led to increased concern for their welfare, including at slaughter. In New Zealand, decapod crustacea are protected by animal welfare legislation.

Evaluating the Behavioural Responses of Healthy Newborn Calves to a Thoracic Squeeze.

A thoracic squeeze has been observed to cause low-vigour neonates of various farmed mammal species, including calves, to enter a state of reduced responsiveness. The removal of the squeeze causes rapid recovery and the expression of normal, healthy behaviours. However, the responses of healthy calves to a thoracic squeeze have not yet been characterized.

Characterisation of the Behavioural Effects of a Thoracic Squeeze in Healthy Newborn Piglets.

A thoracic squeeze has been observed to cause both healthy and low vigour neonatal foals to enter a 'less-responsive state', characterised by loss of posture, eye closure and cessation of movement, from which they rapidly recover to express normal healthy behaviours when the squeeze is released. To date, there have been no systematic studies characterising the responses of healthy neonates of other mammalian species to a thoracic squeeze. We describe the responses of healthy newborn piglets ( = 17) to a standardised application of the thoracic squeeze and evaluate the effect of the method of squeeze application on the response.

Risk factors for bobby calf mortality across the New Zealand dairy supply chain.

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality of bobby calves across the whole dairy supply chain in New Zealand. A case-control study was carried out in the 2016 spring calving season. A total of 194 bobby calves, comprising 38 cases (calves that died or were condemned for health or welfare reasons before the point of slaughter) and 156 controls (calves deemed acceptable and presented for slaughter) were included in the study.

Effects of halothane on the electroencephalogram of the chicken.

Little is known about the effects of inhalant anaesthetics on the avian electroencephalogram (EEG). The effects of halothane on the avian EEG are of interest, as this agent has been widely used to study nociception and analgesia in mammals. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of halothane anaesthesia on the EEG of the chicken.

Effects of noxious stimuli on the electroencephalogram of anaesthetised chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

The reliable assessment and management of avian pain is important in the context of animal welfare. Overtly expressed signs of pain vary substantially between and within species, strains and individuals, limiting the use of behaviour in pain studies. Similarly, physiological indices of pain can also vary and may be confounded by influence from non-painful stimuli.

Electroencephalographic assessment of oral meloxicam, topical anaesthetic cream and cautery iron for mitigating acute pain in pigs (Sus scrofa) undergoing tail docking.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral meloxicam, topical anaesthetic cream and cautery iron in mitigating acute nociceptive responses of pigs to tail docking.

Study Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study.

Animals: A total of 40 healthy Large WhitexLandrace pigs aged 21±1 days, weighing 6.

Electroencephalographic responses of anaesthetized pigs (Sus scrofa) to tail docking using clippers or cautery iron performed at 2 or 20 days of age.

Objective: To compare electroencephalographic (EEG) responses of pigs to tail docking using clippers or cautery iron, performed at 2 or 20 days of age.

Study Design: Prospective, randomised controlled experimental study.

Animals: A total of 40 Large White x Landrace entire male pigs aged 2 (n=20) or 20 (n=20) days were randomly assigned to undergo tail docking using clippers or cautery iron.